On Friday, the Illinois Senate passed a measure laying the framework to allow Illinois residents to carry a concealed firearm. State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D–Orland Park), a co-sponsor of the measure, was one of 45 senators who voted in favor of the bill.
“Today is a historic day for Illinois,” Hastings said. “We now join 49 other states in allowing responsible gun owners to protect themselves and their families by exercising their constitutional right to carry a concealed firearm.”
House Bill 183 received bipartisan support and now awaits approval by the House.
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Overview of House Bill 183:
- Shall Issue – Creates a shall issue concealed carry license that is valid throughout the State for 5 years.
- Objects – If law enforcement finds a person is a danger or threat to public safety, they can object to an application and that objection will be reviewed by a 7 member Board made up of federal judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, and a mental health professional.
- Prohibited Places – It lists various prohibited places like schools, government buildings, hospitals, bars, and parks.
- Safe Haven – A person with a license will have a safe haven in his or her car if the firearm is locked in a case or in a truck.
- Preemption – Prohibits towns from further restricting any issue related to concealed carry, transportation of firearms by FOID Card holders, and any new assault weapons bans.
- Mental Health – Requires very strict mental health reporting so that people with mental health issues cannot get a FOID Card and possess a firearm.
